Victory didn't seem so certain at the end of the fourth day, but West Indies delivered the knockout punch on the fifth, thanks to their seamers, to cruise to a nine-wicket win and take a 1-0 lead in the series. West Indies needed to pick up the seven remaining wickets as quickly as possible, and Kemar Roach hastened that with a five-wicket haul to give the hosts an easy target of 102, which Chris Gayle and Kieran Powell approached without fuss.

It was a continuation of the good work put in by West Indies after they landed home from a tough tour of England. The inclusion of Gayle and Sunil Narine - giants in Twenty20 leagues - heightened the anticipation for cricket fans world over. Both made significant contributions in the victory - Gayle with 150 in the first innings and Narine with a match haul of eight wickets, including a five-for in the first innings. It was West Indies' third win in the last two years and arguably with their strongest XI in recent months.

For New Zealand, their tour only got tougher, having surrendered the T20s and ODIs to the hosts. However, they showed a lot of character on the fourth day to raise hopes of saving the game. The top order didn't allow the scoreboard pressure to weigh them down, and ended the day 28 ahead with seven wickets in hand. They needed their batsmen to sustain that intensity and bat out at least two sessions on the final day, but when their specialist batsmen let them down early, the writing was on the wall for the visitors.

Smart stats

West Indies' nine-wicket win is only their third against a major Test team (excludes Bangladesh and Zimbabwe) since the start of 2009. Their last win against a major team came against Pakistan at Providence in 2011 when they won by 40 runs.

The win is also West Indies' first against New Zealand since their triumph in Barbados in 1996. Overall, West Indies have won 11 and lost nine matches against New Zealand.

Sunil Narine's eight-wicket match haul is the seventh by a West Indies bowler against New Zealand. The best match performance remains Courtney Walsh's 13 for 55 in Wellington in 1995.

Kemar Roach's 5 for 60 is his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests. He now has 77 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 28.14. It is also the second-best bowling performance at North Sound after Brett Lee's 5 for 59 in 2008.

Chris Gayle is the fifth West Indian batsman to score a century and fifty in the same match in a Test against New Zealand. The last player to do so before Gayle was Richie Richardson in 1985.

A double-strike by Roach, immediately after a short rain interval, raised West Indies' hopes of closing out the game. The wickets heaped pressure on New Zealand as the battle for survival got tougher against an incisive Roach and Narine, who looked like striking every over. Neil Wagner impressed with his defence and perseverance as a nightwatchman, but New Zealand expected more from their specialist batsmen in a tense morning session.

With fielders hovering around the batsmen, run-scoring was a challenge. New Zealand managed just two boundaries in the morning. It was a battle of attrition as New Zealand scored just 26 runs off as many overs in the session. Not surprisingly, Narine shouldered the burden, bowling 12 of those overs. The ball spun and shot up off the rough, troubling Wagner in particular who hung on a cliff's edge each time he took guard against the spinner.

But it was Roach who provided the two breakthroughs. A short shower forced the players off the field for 20 minutes. Roach struck two balls after resumption, pitching it outside off and angling it into Ross Taylor, who was trapped on the pads just in front of the leg stump.

Taylor went for the review, but the on-field umpire's call was upheld. Roach struck again in his following over, uprooting Kane Williamson's off stump with a beauty that held its line and beat the bat. West Indies had struck twice in 11 balls for no run.

The pressure was on Dean Brownlie, who took 19 balls to get off the mark. In a ten-over period, New Zealand managed just five runs, showing just how much control West Indies had had over them.

Roach, now armed with the new ball, struck in the first over after the lunch break when he removed the resolute Wagner caught behind, trying to drive. Wagner's 103-ball vigil as nightwatchman should serve as a lesson to the specialist batsmen, who failed to hang around long enough to frustrate West Indies. Ravi Rampaul removed Brownlie the following over, inducing an edge to Chris Gayle at slip. Darren Sammy was tempted to take Rampaul off the attack and bring back Narine, but a fired-up Rampaul convinced his captain to change his mind, and he responded with Daniel Vettori's wicket.

Narine too had some success after lunch, though, when he trapped Doug Bracewell plumb in front of the stumps. Kruger van Wyk farmed the strike with Chris Martin and played some enterprising reverse sweeps to take the lead past 100, but Roach had the last laugh when he knocked back van Wyk's off stump to take his fifth five-wicket haul.

A target of 102 was never going to test the hosts, especially with the in-form Gayle around. He helped himself to an easy half-century to crown his return to the Test side after an exile of one and a half years. New Zealand only managed Powell's wicket with the score on 77, but at that stage the game was all but over. Assad Fudadin knocked off the winning runs and West Indies went into the second Test with an unassailable lead in the series.

New Zealand are not a decent team anymore I mean if they can't compete with the West Indies then I can't see them winning their tours to India, South Africa or England.

Michael
on July 31, 2012, 15:12 GMT

Great to see Chris Gayle back in full flight. I really hope this is an indication that WI cricket is back on the ascendency.

Jeremy
on July 31, 2012, 14:48 GMT

Definitely shaping up to be a 2-0 win to the WI. Can't see NZ coming back from here.

Cam
on July 31, 2012, 4:02 GMT

This series has been givin up by NZ. The non existant tour prep and John Wright quitting after the tour has left a sour taste in my mouth. I hope David White has the balls to get rid of Buchanen and Littlejohn , the omly problem is paying him out which could cost a penny or two.Mark Hessan needs to be able to get on with the job and not having Buchanen and Lawnbowls man looking over his shoulder.
Niel Wagner should be straight in the side for the next tour. Oram needs to be dropped. Hopefully Ryder will get his head together soon. Our batting lineup is weak without him.

Pontiac
on July 31, 2012, 2:42 GMT

I'm only an american who's only been following WI tests for the last 18 months, but I have trouble understanding all the criticism of Darren Sammy. I can see how one might want another specialist bowler. On the other hand, he seems to have been batting well lately. A fifty isn't bad, and it didn't seem to me he batted poorly in England. And if one could identify one thing that won the test this weekend, wasn't it 26 runs in 26 overs on Sunday morning? That was a plan and perhaps a success of judgment. An honest question to the doubters - what would Sammy need to do to be adequate? Bowling as well as he does now - no great average but miserly - but averaging 30 with the bat from #7? 35? What if he averaged 30 but could bat with patience as well as aggression? Good partnerships with those from up the order, while getting the most from the tail. Likewise, isn't there a role for someone who can hold down an end while missiles like Best or Roach are deployed?

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 23:33 GMT

Surprise Surpprise Gibson speaks about experience yet Gayle ahd to fight for his place back and Sarwan coulld be considered. Experience and confidence comes from the seniors Gibson. You just can't treat the seniors the way you treated.
them. No other country treats their seniors the way the WI seniors were treated.

Glad to hear from your own words that Gayle made a difference. With Taylpr and Sarwan back WI can challenge any of the top team. You saw experience from one, prove your word and add the missing ones in the team.

ethel
on July 30, 2012, 22:24 GMT

One of the conditions for Gayle`s return should have been the removal of Gibsos!!!

Raymond
on July 30, 2012, 22:22 GMT

A captain don't win matches. It is the eleven players on the park. The team will be much better if u have eleven players contributing to the team instead of 10. Everyone know who I am talking.

Kevin
on July 30, 2012, 20:13 GMT

I think if NZ fielded a team from all those who are injured or not selected, it would do better than the current crop. Even Matthew Sinclair would probably be scoring double centuries again against the current WI bowlers. Milne, Bennett, Mckay, three NZ bowlers who could average 145 k bowling speeds when none of the current NZ bowlers could even hit those numbers once any time during the test match. Chris Martin is a joke. Its over Tommy, time to go to the retirement village, along with John Wright!

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 16:46 GMT

Did Sammy's captaincy play any part in this victory? I can hear No No, resonating from the roof top. So why do we blame him when the team fails? The fact of the matter is that u need to give a man the tools to do the job. Sammy had the tools( Gayle,Narine & Roach) & he got the job done. Well done WI.

Dummy4
on August 1, 2012, 20:37 GMT

New Zealand are not a decent team anymore I mean if they can't compete with the West Indies then I can't see them winning their tours to India, South Africa or England.

Michael
on July 31, 2012, 15:12 GMT

Great to see Chris Gayle back in full flight. I really hope this is an indication that WI cricket is back on the ascendency.

Jeremy
on July 31, 2012, 14:48 GMT

Definitely shaping up to be a 2-0 win to the WI. Can't see NZ coming back from here.

Cam
on July 31, 2012, 4:02 GMT

This series has been givin up by NZ. The non existant tour prep and John Wright quitting after the tour has left a sour taste in my mouth. I hope David White has the balls to get rid of Buchanen and Littlejohn , the omly problem is paying him out which could cost a penny or two.Mark Hessan needs to be able to get on with the job and not having Buchanen and Lawnbowls man looking over his shoulder.
Niel Wagner should be straight in the side for the next tour. Oram needs to be dropped. Hopefully Ryder will get his head together soon. Our batting lineup is weak without him.

Pontiac
on July 31, 2012, 2:42 GMT

I'm only an american who's only been following WI tests for the last 18 months, but I have trouble understanding all the criticism of Darren Sammy. I can see how one might want another specialist bowler. On the other hand, he seems to have been batting well lately. A fifty isn't bad, and it didn't seem to me he batted poorly in England. And if one could identify one thing that won the test this weekend, wasn't it 26 runs in 26 overs on Sunday morning? That was a plan and perhaps a success of judgment. An honest question to the doubters - what would Sammy need to do to be adequate? Bowling as well as he does now - no great average but miserly - but averaging 30 with the bat from #7? 35? What if he averaged 30 but could bat with patience as well as aggression? Good partnerships with those from up the order, while getting the most from the tail. Likewise, isn't there a role for someone who can hold down an end while missiles like Best or Roach are deployed?

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 23:33 GMT

Surprise Surpprise Gibson speaks about experience yet Gayle ahd to fight for his place back and Sarwan coulld be considered. Experience and confidence comes from the seniors Gibson. You just can't treat the seniors the way you treated.
them. No other country treats their seniors the way the WI seniors were treated.

Glad to hear from your own words that Gayle made a difference. With Taylpr and Sarwan back WI can challenge any of the top team. You saw experience from one, prove your word and add the missing ones in the team.

ethel
on July 30, 2012, 22:24 GMT

One of the conditions for Gayle`s return should have been the removal of Gibsos!!!

Raymond
on July 30, 2012, 22:22 GMT

A captain don't win matches. It is the eleven players on the park. The team will be much better if u have eleven players contributing to the team instead of 10. Everyone know who I am talking.

Kevin
on July 30, 2012, 20:13 GMT

I think if NZ fielded a team from all those who are injured or not selected, it would do better than the current crop. Even Matthew Sinclair would probably be scoring double centuries again against the current WI bowlers. Milne, Bennett, Mckay, three NZ bowlers who could average 145 k bowling speeds when none of the current NZ bowlers could even hit those numbers once any time during the test match. Chris Martin is a joke. Its over Tommy, time to go to the retirement village, along with John Wright!

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 16:46 GMT

Did Sammy's captaincy play any part in this victory? I can hear No No, resonating from the roof top. So why do we blame him when the team fails? The fact of the matter is that u need to give a man the tools to do the job. Sammy had the tools( Gayle,Narine & Roach) & he got the job done. Well done WI.

Lee
on July 30, 2012, 16:39 GMT

I did a quick check and it seems that West Indies' record in tests from 2010 to 2012 is Lost 8, Drew 9 and Won 3. Seems to be much better than previously when we were being whitewashed left, right and centre. Let Darren Sammmy be!!! I don't know if he is the reason why we are no longer being whitewashed, but I don't care. We are obviously doing better!!!!

Randolph
on July 30, 2012, 16:19 GMT

@Front-Foot-Lunge in which format? Because we are #1 and #2 in ODIs and tests repectively. Keep trying bud, you might hit the target once day :)

Derek
on July 30, 2012, 16:17 GMT

How on earth does a bowler bowling 46.3 overs and taking 7 wickets in a match lose out to his colleague who in the same match bowls 85 overs goes for more runs and takes 8 wickets? Its evident Gayle coming back into the test arena after such a long standoff would not get it even if after scoring 150 in the first inning he went on to score another century in the second. There is no logic to how these awards are allocated except that Narine is fast becoming the next Bishoo. Today's hero next season WHO?

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 15:49 GMT

@ TOPIC ...... Well played WI. Congratulations !! Those who blame IPL for the reason their players NOT performing well for their country should take a lesson or two from WI players. Gayle, Narine, Russel, Samuels, Smith, Pollard - all played good in IPL and continuing their good form for their nation too in both, ODIs and Tests. Next time, think twice before posting senseless comments in different forums.

anthony
on July 30, 2012, 15:43 GMT

@ ilene richards.... could'nt agree more, sammy is not test class, bravo should take his place, and when fit, younger bravo will replace fudadin. rampaul is also not test class, russell should be given a chance in his place, otherwise the team is about as good as it could be, with the players available.

Richardson J.
on July 30, 2012, 15:28 GMT

While Sammy have his deficiencies, he has been doing yeoman duties for the team. So let's give him some slack and focus on continued wins. For the Jamaica Test with its bouncy wicket, one would hope that a controlled Tino Best would be brought in for Rampaul. Congrats to Chris Gayle, Powell, Narine and Roach for their special efforts. Congrats Team West Indies for a job well done.

Faysal
on July 30, 2012, 15:26 GMT

It's good to see Gayle returning with such a bang. Narine was superb. And to all the people upset with MoM award going to Narine here are some cold facts -Gayle scored 214 of the total 624 runs scored by WI i.e. a contribution of 34.3% while Narine took 8 of the 20 New Zealand wickets i.e. a contribution of 40%. So he fully deserves the MoM award.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 15:07 GMT

There is no such thing is what if. WHAT IF does not exist. Reality is what happens happen currently. Making comments stating that Gayle was dropped on 37 is only excuses. What if he was caught. Sorry but the future does not exist so as the world what if. Congratulations to West Indies and their Captain for putting on results that we haven't seen in a long time. For the past year and a half we have witnessed improvements in team motivation, burning that desire to win and faith. That was all that was missing throughout this team of endless talent and somehow Daren Sammy managed to instill those thought into the minds of his players. We have an improve team compared to recent times. I am proud.

Wayne
on July 30, 2012, 15:06 GMT

Watching Darren Sammy's tactics in the field is rather mindboggling

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 14:07 GMT

Darren Sammy is in this WI team because he deserves to be there. Sammy has average 37 for the year so far with the bat which is good for an allrounder even though he has not been taken the wickets im sure he wishes to take-- 12 at 49. He has been batting well for the entire 2012 period. what i want him to do now is to when he gets a start go on to make a big score so that he will truly quieten the voices of his critics. Sammy is what the WI need now in WI cricket and his qualities as a leader of men are imperative to the rebuilding of WI cricket.

anthony
on July 30, 2012, 13:19 GMT

the gayle/powell partnership was the main reason wi won, obviously there were key contributions from other batsmen as well as narine and roach. but the result could've gone either had gayle been caught when on 37, not to mention generally poor fielding and bowling that persisted throughout the innings but especially through the opening partnership. nz have only themselves to blame for not having an opportunity to win this test.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 13:00 GMT

the timing of the match may have been part of the reason for the empty stadiums along with some of the other suggestions. The Test in Antigua falls smack with the carnival season and many persons are enjoying the carnival festivities and would have saved for them and not being prepared to buy a ticket to see the game resulting in the stands being vastly empty

Douglas
on July 30, 2012, 12:50 GMT

Gobson: "I can't remember the last time West Indies made 600 runs in a Test match and Chanderpaul didn't feature in the scorecard," Well, I hope they dont use this as excuse to dump Canderpaul from the test team like they did with the 1-day side.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 12:29 GMT

Who in their wildest imagination- being available - would think that Sammy would be selected in the test team over alrounder, Dwayne Bravo with his wealth of cricketing experience. Is it because Sammy is a better player? No! Sammy is only on the team because he is the captain. No objective analysis of this test match, points to any stategic move, made by the captain that changed the match in WI favour. It was more or less,each player doing what each player has to do. No captaincy! Its time for Sammy to go! Play Russel, Sarwan, Nash,Bravo Edwards etc. They ,along with the rest will now present a more formidable challenge to SA,AUS ENG etc.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 12:28 GMT

Great show by the Windies! Thankfully they were not led by one Mr. Dhoni who would surely have surely pulled down the shutters and settled for a draw in a similar situation

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 12:05 GMT

Great win, congrats WI. Just need to build on this win. Absolutely no need to change the team, of course barring injuries. Our major problem was putting a good score on the tin. Once we can get off to a good start should be able consistently put a decent score on the board. We wanted strike bowlers, now we have two,along with Ravi, & Sammy as yr stock bowler. All the best, Sammy & the rest of the team. By the way let's keep an eye on Ramdin. Could this be his last series?

anagh
on July 30, 2012, 12:00 GMT

Congrats West Indies on the victory. But Sammy should either play as an allrounder or not play at all.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 11:56 GMT

kiwis should have had won this wud martin and bracewell from both ends after posting a lead near 150 or175 with vettori tough luck n.zealand win the next one and dont let win the w. indies .and d series

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 11:49 GMT

Chris Gayle has fulfilled his fans expectations by his excellent performance in both innings !! Well done!!

rudy
on July 30, 2012, 11:44 GMT

Well done WI. Despite all the comments made I have noticed that the all the players from IPL have performed so far in the ODIs and testmatches, Gayle, Narine Samuels,Russell Pollard. When westindians were playing county cricket it appeared to have sharpened them. As soon as that avenue was closed wewent downhill. Our players need an avenue to play outside of the regional season of just ^ matches each year

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 11:14 GMT

#Windies my favorite apart from #Lankans. So happy for them. Hope that they will bring back those past golden days ...

j
on July 30, 2012, 11:02 GMT

RandyOz: Why then are Australia a middle-ranked average team at the moment?

Randolph
on July 30, 2012, 10:39 GMT

How good is it to see Chris Gayle back in World Cricket? What an absolute star entertainer!

Imi
on July 30, 2012, 10:37 GMT

Great victory enjoyed by an empty stadium.

Randolph
on July 30, 2012, 10:34 GMT

Dan Vettori, albeit a great guy, should surely be dropped to make way for the future. He doesn't turn it anymore and his stats are showing how ineffective he is now days. A shame because he is a great competitor.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 10:24 GMT

A good collective win by the Windies, everybody chipped in at some stage in the match and a much needed victory, for what has been a struggle for the Boyz in test matches. Chris Gayle is a massive presence and he makes all the difference at the top of the order, the confidence he gave young Powell was obvious to see. Some people contest the decision to give Narine the MotM, but i felt a bowler deserved it more than a batsmen, as it looked like a wicket that was heavily favorable to batsmen. The fact that NZ won the toss and batted first says it all. There's still a balancing issue in the Windies side and i still feel that Sammy is not a good enough first-changer. They should play a extra bowler on a batsman's wicket and a extra batsman on a bowler's wicket and work Sammy around that. I just feel that playing four bowlers on most of the wickets in the Caribbean is putting too much of a strain on the main strike-bowlers.

Dominic
on July 30, 2012, 9:45 GMT

In reference to my contribution about the DRS, there was an error, amend it to read ...... my solution will be if the batsman is given not out by the field umpire regardless if the ball is clipping leg stump, hitting the top of the stumps, the TV umpire should relay to the field umpire that the batsman is out. In this way there will be no way you will have two decisions for similar situations.

RYAN
on July 30, 2012, 9:33 GMT

Why do we continue to look backward and not forward ? I see people kep calling for Edwards when he has clearly proven i recent times that he is no longer as useful as before. And yes Best had some success in recent times but at age 30 do we really want to "invest" in him again ( or was the recent "success" just a flash on the pan ?). We need to look at and bring in young fast bowlers e.g Johnson of the Windwards. And the idea of playing five bowlers ? Given the inconsistency of the WI batting forget that. The idea of more than one spinner is one that needs considering but then we would have to drop a pacer... Sammy perhaps ????

ethel
on July 30, 2012, 9:09 GMT

It was very surprising to see that Narine was choozen man of the match. I thought that if the person who obviously had a bios did not know what they were doing should not have accepted that responsability. Gibson you should not face gayle and sammy made too many errors on the field. With your ability as a test player you should not be in this team----you are taking the place of some one who deserves a play . For instance Best or shillingford should have been playing to nane a few.GIBSON GO!

Manesh
on July 30, 2012, 9:06 GMT

congrats WI. Happy to see Gayle performing.

Jeremy
on July 30, 2012, 9:01 GMT

Congratulations to the WI, you now need to build on this great win and claim the rest of the series in a decisive fashion. No coincidence that the win comes with the reintroduction of Gayle to the team. As for Man-of-the-Match, I would have liked to see Roach get it - his 5-wickets in the NZ 2nd innings created the opportunity for the WI to win - but at least another bowler got it for a change. I'm surprised Roach has only taken 77 wickets in 20 tests - as an AUS fan, he always seems to bowl very well against us - just expected him to have taken more. Hope he continues to bowl this well throughout the rest of the series. NZ have to start treating each series as if they are playing AUS, against whom they always compete with venom and gusto. Good effort on day 4 to be in a position to save the test, but a disappointing effort on the last day to lose it. As for the DRS debate, cricket has always had and will always have contraversial decisions - part & parcel of the game.

Manjunath
on July 30, 2012, 8:50 GMT

WI badly needed this win. Good win. But to win consistently, they need inform Bravo and another fast bowler along with Roach. Rampaul more suits one day games. May be Best or Fidel Edwards are better suited for longer version. Sammy should be catious of using Narine. I fell he asks his spinners to bowl too many overs. he did same with Bishoo as well. Sammy needs to bowl more overs and choke the runs at his end, So that other bowlers can attack the opposition.

Naresh
on July 30, 2012, 8:37 GMT

GAYLE is terrific for WINDIES. He is definetely going to bring WI back to the top
again. Bowlers must have nightmares when he bats.

Abhishek
on July 30, 2012, 8:37 GMT

Gayle should have been the MoM- it was his fluent century, along with the mammoth 1st wicket partnership, that really put NZL out of the game.
Having said that, it was really a fine team effort and wonderful to see WI finally coming together and clicking! And for a change, Superman Chanderpaul wasn't needed!

Cricket
on July 30, 2012, 8:12 GMT

Roach is definately improve quickly as a fast bowler. He is worthy of leading the WI pace attack. The other fast bowlers dont seem quite upto the mark. but roach has found good help from Sunil Narine. This is a good plateform to build the future of WI cricket. I hope Roach & Fidel Edwards can make a good fast bowling pair. Shanon Gabriel had a good debute against England, He definately deserves some good opportunities. If WI can get back to their reputation of the 80's of having the most fearsome attack, it will be great for WI cricket and world cricket.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 8:02 GMT

2 world class players changed the course of the match. They played like champions and the others responded. That's team work. Gayle is a tremendous on and off the field. It's amazing how it rubs to others and brings the best out of everyone. Keep enjoying the game west indian's and may many more victories follow. Congratulations.

Ben
on July 30, 2012, 7:43 GMT

@ Smith Robertson - What exactly do you mean by " losing by 9 WICKETS against a team like West Indies is simply not on"?? Let's have a look at the rankings:
Test Cricket: NZ = 7, WI = 8
ODI Cricket: WI= 7, NZ = 8
T20 Cricket: NZ = 6, WI = 8
Seems to me that New Zealand is exactly where it belongs in the rankings...and are playing appropriate to their awful, awful ranking. Go West Indies!

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 7:40 GMT

Always a big fuss about Sammy, but the truth is that with Gayle and Narine in a team, and with Samuels and Roach offering proper support, there isn't much for the captain to do except to watch the game play out. Having said that, it is obvious that Sammy's on field decisions are often questionable. His use of bowling options, the way he sets his fields, his batting order, and his own cavalier approach to batting are all very suspect, and I agree with the person who said New Zealand really lost the match more than the West Indies winning it. This West Indies performance would have failed against any of the top six test sides. Still a lot of improvement needed, and much less reliance of Gayle and Narine, and more support for them.

VENKATACHALAM
on July 30, 2012, 7:40 GMT

If Windies drop a batsman(Deonarine or Fudadin) and bring in Fidel Edwards to have a 5-man attack(four-and-a-half bowlers, some might say with Darren Sammy) they will be an even stronger Test team, although I am still not convinced that Sunil Narine is Test match material against the real powerhouse teams. West Indies will discard Devendra Bishoo at their own peril.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 6:56 GMT

I cannot wait for Pakistan to tour the caribbean and Gaylestorm battling with Ajmal's spin would be a treat to watch for all the cricket fans. The West Indies is transitioning back to the shades of its dominant past, and i think they will be the contenders to get the number 1 ranking in test cricket. Still a long way to go, but the team has got a good mix of bat and bowl.

Anver
on July 30, 2012, 6:52 GMT

WI is slowly & steadily becoming a complete package in world cricket....... & if they continue this form & confidence, they will be a real threat to top teams in future !!!!
My best wishes to WI cricket !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

arul
on July 30, 2012, 6:46 GMT

Congratulations West Indies. I support @IYI67 on his point about DRS system. Some projected path of the ball is a cause of concern. In the recent 3rd ODI match Rohit Sharma was adjudged
out LBW off Malinga. Slow motion replay clearly showed ball turning legside
and the ball clearly going to miss leg stump. However projected path indicated
that the ball more than straightening but turning towards the offside which is
physical impossibility. Despite these reservations of the present LBW DRS rules in its present form is open to ridicule where the same situtaion CAN BE BOTH out AND not out. Fielding team appeal vociferously for a LBW decision in favour which is overturned only if the projected path of the Ball completely misses the stump. It IS better to change THE RULE sO that if more than 50% of the ball is likelyto hit the stumps the decision is OUT IRRESPECTIVE of what the original decisionof the umpire. Otherwis the batsmen is NOT OUT irrespective of the initial decsison.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 6:35 GMT

How Gayle wasn't chosen as Man of the Match is beyond my comprehension..maybe it was wickb getting back at Gayle after he rubbed in his stupid exile with heavy scoring..made a 150 in the 1st innings and said.. eh take that and lemme take a bow.. now lemme go take a fresh & chill in meh shades. I would love to see what happens when Darren Bravo becomes healthy. Nobody better get out of form now or else you gonna lose your spot..ask Kirk Edwards.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 6:30 GMT

Very good performance by westindies...They are guided and lead well by their skipper and Gayle's return is a big factor contributed towards this victory as his presence is a sign of calmness in the top order.

Still a long way to go..for me , newzeland team is the 2nd weekest team among all test playing nations these days as both Bangladesh and Westindies have made big strides towards improvement.

We can't say it a complete revival of Supreme westindies era...as they are yet to perform same against the quality batting units like England Southafrica Srilanka and India, or quality bowling units in particular spin experts like Pakistan. There good performance against quality teams will certainly lift their ranking and confidence both.

sam
on July 30, 2012, 6:25 GMT

West Indies need to play two spinners. Permaul or Bishoo in place of Darren Sammy. Currently all WI wickets assist spin bowling. Also Delorn Johnson can be tried sometime in place of Rampaul (just to give him match practice) in the 3rd test if WI go on to win the 2nd test.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 6:18 GMT

I don't understand how Sunil Narine gets the man of the match ahead of Gayle and Roach... LOL

Dylan
on July 30, 2012, 5:58 GMT

Well done to the West Indies, it's a bitterly disappointing loss for us Kiwi fans.

khalid
on July 30, 2012, 5:32 GMT

west indies on rise once again in all formats of game plus they found a good combination of batting, fast bowling, spin bowling and their fielding is the slightly weak corner yesterday win against nz stamping their return to the three team. NO surprises.magic of management ha ha .

Michael
on July 30, 2012, 5:21 GMT

@noplay: While some perspective is called for in beating the No. 7 ranked team, it sounds like you're advocating taking no pride in winning a match? Considering the troubles the team has had over the last 15-20 years, particularly the last 5, I would think that the side should enjoy the successes they do have. They showed some fight against Australia and now have a win. But I guess we should all continue to criticise them even when they win, because that's sure to build confidence.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 5:17 GMT

As far I see there nothing to celebrate Im not impressed this expected. This is a weak NZ team that would have lost the within 4 days against the likes of England, S Africa and the Auzzie's. Am I happy they won yes but there is nothing to be impressed about Gayle did what was expected of him and Powell, the other gave good support as well. The bowlers did their jobs and that expected of them. But as I said I see no reason to be calling this a great win, its a win nothing else but that. When the west indies team can build on this then ill be impressed, Ill be even more impressed if the lost in the wilderness Sammy is the captain when that is done.

NAZ
on July 30, 2012, 5:00 GMT

this is the kind of match summary that i can get accustomed to.... reminds me of the summaries of the 70's and 80's

Satish
on July 30, 2012, 4:23 GMT

What the fuss.. Sammy is doing a great job as a captain.. He is picking the right team with good balance.. He might not be a complete attacking bowler but no team need 3 attacking fast bowlers.. He is holding one end tight and is willing to bowl long spells for the team.. Gayle is no doubt the best WI batsman.. No matter how much he scores, Sammy had already proved he can be a better captain than Gayle.. Not saying Gayle is bad but Sammy is a better one.. He is just as inspirational as anyone..

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 4:16 GMT

@Vinay Kolhatkar,,,, i think u r being unfair to Sammy... if u look back to last one year Sammy has been excellent with the bat..in fact more consistent than few top order players..in this test too he got a 50..

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 3:55 GMT

Gayle made 150 and not 154.

Brian
on July 30, 2012, 3:51 GMT

No test should be scheduled to play in Antigua for at least the next 5 years! The stands were bare and the Windies were on top and yet these people would not come out and give some support. Pathetic! No more Windies cricket there.

TIM
on July 30, 2012, 3:49 GMT

Very very poor NZ.Forget about Sammy NZ has the leadership problems. Simon Doull hit the nail on the head with his questioning why vettor was bowling with the wind and bowling drifters with no turn.Doull was aghast when first Southee on as 12th man and then vettori didnt even try to catch what looked like dollies to mid off.Not good when bowlers are giving 100 and fielders are sleeping.Doull was also spot on with wagner bowling scrambled seam and totally ruining any chance of Martin and Bracewell swinging the ball.My goodness the fast bowler rule has always been hit the seasm so you dont bruise the leather, no surprise that after wagners spells the ball never swung again. Martin iis not a threat to lefthanders if he cant swing the ball and vettori never looks like getting out lefthanders .They should fly over Jeetan Patel immediately for the last test as it is an offspinners dream to bowl at a team of lefthanders.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 3:33 GMT

I never understand why when WI win or loose somehow a Sammy love/hate blog is created. Getting really annoying. Just congratulate the guys who contributed well.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 3:27 GMT

Congrats to the west indies Team And a special one to Kemar Roach for his performance today and for breaking into the ICC top ten for the first time, but their are still room for improvement our bowling need to be strengthen especially going up against top Teams Roach and Narine cant do this everyday its too much responsibility and a heavy workload but well played guys best of luck in Jamaica.

Kelvin
on July 30, 2012, 3:22 GMT

THE GLORY DAYS ARE BACK!!!!!
I wish I can see them again

Michael
on July 30, 2012, 3:08 GMT

Congrats to West Indies for a long-awaited win. I didn't get to see any of the match, but I'm bemused by people who are happy to blame the captain when the team loses but not credit them when they win. I guess Sammy's only hope is to be the only success (batting and bowling) and have everyone else fail - otherwise, someone else will get the credit. Looks like it was a good match though - Solid start from NZ, followed by a fightback from WI leading to a dominant position, then NZ getting back on par before WI decimated them on the last day. Contributions from everyone in the WI team, except for Chanders, Samuels and Ramdin who will be looking for improvement in the next match. Feels like a positive air in the team now, too. Standouts for NZ are Guptill and McCullum, Flynn also showed some promise, the rest of the side has some work to do. Strangely, no-one calling for Taylor's head.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 3:04 GMT

@adkum: Chris Gayle should not be named captain of the WI test side. The captain should be committed to WI cricket above and beyond any other cricket competition, which Chris Gayle is not. What will happen the next time we have a tour while a 20-20 tournament is happening somewhere else, in particular the IPL? The captain cannot be arriving the day before a test match, missing warm up games, planning sessions, team bonding etc to play for other teams.

Mahendra Anthony
on July 30, 2012, 3:02 GMT

@wander1957 & Rally_Windies, do U know that for the Calender Year (2012) thus far Ramdin has 166 runs, ave 33.20 and Sammy,408 runs with an ave of 37.09 , as for Mr. Rally_Windies ,Fudadin has played 10 first class matches thus far in this Calender Year,scored 704,ave 46.93 (including this test) and Deonarine, 13 matches, scored 891 runs,ave 42.42 whilst Pollard has played 1 match scored 69 runs,ave 34.50,hs 60 runs,Boss man,whilst Pollard is a good striker of the cricket ball he doesn't has the temperament for Test,ODI and T20, yes but Test, not as yet.The current stats speak for them selves.Anyway it was a nice win for WI and one more step in the right direction.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 3:02 GMT

Gonzalez & Blackie and other Sammy fans, there is nothing wrong with Sammy's captaincy. The team has improved because the fast bowling stocks have improved and Gayle, Chanderpaul and Samuels are batting well. The captaincy looks good when the players deliver. But Sammy just can't be in the team as a player. A team that has Roach, Rampaul, Edwards, Jerome Taylor, Tino Best & Delorn Johnson. And Andre Russell. How come Sammy is paceman no 3? All these guys are far better test match fast bowlers at (140+ pace) than Sammy. If Sammy bats at 6, he has to bat better than (can he?) Russell and Dwayne Bravo, both of whom are allrounders.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 3:00 GMT

Excellent job! Congratulations WI! Selectors will not change a winning team- and rightly so. However, on a Sabina pitch, Tino ought to be given a go. Rampaul's final spell has saved his place. Lucky guy.Why isn't Chris Gayle bowling? Thank you Chris for your leadership and incisive batting-my MOM. West Indies forever!

Kamran
on July 30, 2012, 2:59 GMT

I believe this is West Indies' first win over New Zealand in over 16 odd years. Hard to digest that.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 2:54 GMT

Signs of a carribean revival. But the board should keep the current crop of players happy

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 2:44 GMT

congrutulation to west indies

Zorina
on July 30, 2012, 2:23 GMT

Wow, West Indies can take pride in beating another team at the bottom of the table. Let me remind WI fans that before Pakistan played WI last year, Pak were at 6 and WI at 7 in the test rankings. Pak has since moved to 4 and WI are at 8. So West Indies can go ahead and beat up oin Bangladesh and NZ, that will get them very far..and that makes Sammy a great captain. Sammy must take credit for the political intervention that brought Gayle back into the team. And does anyone remember Sammy saying that Gayle will have to get used to the the "hardworking culture" in the WI dressing room? What's wrong with this captain and his fan club?

adit
on July 30, 2012, 2:17 GMT

Congrats to WI on a well deserved match. The team performed creditably. I want to record my earlier fear is that credit for these victories will be wrongly going to Sammy and Gibson. Sammy despite his 50 is still not test match quality. His bowling and batting averages are sickening and any other test playing nation would not have him even in the reserves.
WI should bring back Sarwan who is doing fine in the English county scene. Another genuine fast bowler should replace Sammy and of course the captaincy should go back to Gayle who can lead from the front.
From which side is Sammy leading???? Now that Hilaire is gone next should be Hunte and the board should get reorganized and cut out the insularity of putting country men first and replace it with putting WI cricket first.

Alex
on July 30, 2012, 2:11 GMT

I have come to the conclusion that for some people Sammy can do nothing right. We have had (until Gayle's return) a fragile top order which have over the last two series (England and Australia) left us at 25 for 3 wickets regularly. We've had F. Edwards hardly taking wickets, Rampaul not performing like himself and neither Ramdin nor Baugh able to score over 20 runs on a regular basis. In the last 3 series we have had 3 consistent players; Chanderpaul, Samuels and Roach. Somehow still, for some Sammy is the source of our problems. Sammy has over the same period made a century and more than one half-century (Tests and shorter formats)and has NEVER had his bowling taken apart. Of the players mentioned, only Russell really deserves a look-in in Test. WANDERER 57, you have to be kidding about Ramdin for captain. The only reason he's playing is because there are no other wicket-keepers making runs in regional cricket. Btw Rally_Windies, how did Sammy keep Narine, Roach, Narine out the team?

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 2:01 GMT

So many talents out there now in the West Indies squad. So many hopefuls waiting in the line. So many waiting for an opportunity in the ODI's. The Bravos's, Russell, Simmonms, Barath, Pollard, Best, Braithwaite, Thomas, Shillingford, Edwards, Fidel, and a new found like Deleron Johnson. The likes of Taylor, Sarwan and Nash.

This is causing some headache for the selectors,

What will the WI do when Gayle, Pollard, Bravo, Edwards and Narine goes to fulfil their twenty/20 contracts?

Is not fair to say that WI really need a separate ODI team with a separate captain? That is why I suggest to bring back Sarwan as the test captain and give Sammy the reins for the ODI's.

There are quality players who are willing to stay and play for the WI. No kidding.

There are enough of quality players to field two separate teams and given the fact that Gayle can play all formats again, When he and the rest leaves (20/20) the game still have to go on.

Comon WI now is the time to make that call.

fiaz
on July 30, 2012, 1:41 GMT

i am not a fan of Darren Sammy,but he did a fine job.i don't think Chris gayle could have this team play half as well under his captaincy,but when we play tougher teams we would pay the price for playing both a batter and a bowler short by including Sammy.he is a nice guy though but i am a nice guy yet im not playing for west indies

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 1:37 GMT

Great! Love seeing WI win again. This time, convincingly, too. The team was building up, but only now they show the killer instinct. Roach was instrumental. Don't care who captains the team as long as the person works at getting the best out of other people. Great to see Gayle back. And middle order contributed enough. Doesn't matter who is in the XI, as long as they work as a XI; not as 1s of a XI.

David
on July 30, 2012, 1:34 GMT

As an Australian, I have long enjoyed watching both of these teams. It must be very frustrating to be a Kiwi cricket fan. They always bring their A game to Australia, but they never seem to play as well anywhere else. Their performances in Australia in 2001/02 and in 2011 were much, much better than they played in this test. Hopefully they will have learned a few things from the Windies in this match, and will fight harder in the next.

Robin
on July 30, 2012, 1:23 GMT

Well done NZ, you managed an innings of over 300. And I am in no way surprised that you lost.

Jarrett Knight calling NZ a formidable team gave me the biggest laugh I have had for a long time. Well done you for such a fantastic jape.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 1:22 GMT

I don't know what is the problem with these Sammy detractors! Under him the West Indies have shown steady improvement. Finally the fight displayed in previous series are converting into victories. When a certain Brian Lara captained the team, and we were getting thrashed by everyone, people blamed the players he had and never him as a captain. Now the team is looking better under Sammy, it's to hard to credit his captaincy for the improvement exhibited.

Balaji
on July 30, 2012, 1:19 GMT

West Indies are slowly starting to improve, but each time something like this happens, they implode. Hope this does'nt happen this time, because the WI are among my favourites, and I used to mourn each time they imploded.

Prashan
on July 30, 2012, 1:03 GMT

Congratulations West Indies from a Sri Lankan. Hope you all continue to excel. Make use of this win to have in mind that you all can win test matches rather than squander after being in a dominant position.

steven
on July 30, 2012, 0:49 GMT

top 6 all getting into double digits not one going on to a bug ton... think boys need to spend some time watching south africa and england bat

Dominic
on July 30, 2012, 0:43 GMT

I have no with problem the DRS system but it must be implemented sensible. I can not for the life of me understand an umpire giving a decision LBW on a referral could have two results .... example if the ball is shown to be hitting or clipping the leg stump and the batsman is given out, the decision is referred back to the umpire and his decision stands, however if the umpire gives the decision not out and less than half off the ball is hitting the leg stump it is referred back to the umpire his decision stands and the fielding side losses one of its referral ( two punishment for the same offence) the situation as it stands is not transparent. The ICC should look again at this problem and sort it out. My solution is if the ball is hitting the stumps regardless of where the ball make contact with the stumps and whether the field umpire gives not out or out, the TV umpire should advise the that the batsman is not out.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 0:42 GMT

Congrats Windies on a clinical performance I am indeed proud of my home grown Captain, Sammy but still we have lots of improvements to make. I'm looking forward to a 2-0 whitewash. Let's go WIndies

Rob
on July 30, 2012, 0:34 GMT

Good team display from the Windies. Most refreshing to see. What a shame matches are no longer held at the ARC - that really was a stadium full of people and atmosphere. This massive out of town ground at North Sound is a travesty. It will never work and in the end will cost Antigua its place on the world cricket map. No more tourists will want to go there. Bring back the ARC now.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 0:18 GMT

What match did those who credit Sammy's captaincy for victory this watch? This win was in spite of rather than because of Sammy's captaincy. And none of those who contributed owe anything to either the coach or Sammy. A real pace in place of Sammy would have made this match easier for the Windies. Or even a second spinner such as Bishoo or Permaul. The components have been brought together except for Sarwan who has still been kept out and that additional strike bowler in Sammy's place. Make these changes and we'd have a team that can challenge any.

Dummy4
on July 30, 2012, 0:13 GMT

WI won, but because of Roach's burst of wickets, he should have been given the MOM award... even though WI won the match its still evident that it wont continue, it can, but it wont, not when they keep selecting teams without really thinking, obviously they should have played Shane Shillingford, they wont talk about it now cuz they won, had they lost they would have,the selecters really need help... Sammy isnt captain material, he clearly over worked narine, he wanted to take off Rampaul after he got a wicket,smh, sure he made 50, so what, he is taking the place of a genuine bowler or batsman. persons would say or since sammy got the Capt role the team have been doing well. thats not true, in the past under gayle esp the team use to get starts, use to get early wickets but wasnt able to build on the pressure cuz the bowlers that were coming on wasnt doing a good job (eg Miller), now they got narine who is a gifted bowler....... to be continued

Ali
on July 29, 2012, 23:57 GMT

ah, i see Sammy supporters crediting Sammy for this win.
yet, the contributions of Nairne, Roach, Gayle, and Rampaul need to take the lime light..

these are all players that Sammy has kept out of the team for one reason or the other
this is the strongest team the WI has played in about 3 years...
that in my opinion more responsible for his victory than Sammy's captaincy.

as a matter of fact.... replacing Fuadin with Darren Bravo, and either Doenarine or Samuels with Kiron Pollard (who has a better 1st class record, than Faudin, Doenarine, Barath, Powell , Edwards and Brathwaith ... but still gets over looked for a Test Spot) ... and replacing Sammy with Derolon Johnson ......

that would be the STRONGEST 11, the WI can field ....
a team capable of Beating India and Australia and getting up to 3rd in the world.

Praveen
on July 29, 2012, 23:54 GMT

Congratulations WI. I was lucky to follow the match here at Cricinfo.It was excellent stuff from WI team. New Zealand also didn't play that bad. but the difference is NZ lacked fire power. There was strong will from WI team to win. Team effort i should say. But to pick best, i would go for three players Gayle, Narine and Roach. - Indian

Owen
on July 29, 2012, 23:38 GMT

Good things can happen in WI cricket if we do not self destruct. Congrats on a great victory. Great to see Chris back and performing. surely his presence at the top has evidently helped KP along. The team is putting the pieces together. Evidently you can't always play the card the critics way!!!! Sammy is doing fine as a captain. It is mystifying how there are still who manufacture reasons to criticize to the guy after we win the test and he made a valuable 50 for his team!!!!

Carl
on July 29, 2012, 23:21 GMT

wandered1957, your team lacks a certain Mr.Chanderpaul...

surely you jest? Windies do need to accomodate another quickie though, I am with you on that one. Step forward Mr.Delorn Johnson...

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 23:06 GMT

congratulation Windies it has been a long time coming and remember New Zealand is a formidable team therefore this win is important in the ways forward. Captain Sammy, as long as this team continue to show progress under your captaincy and you stay consistent with bat and ball your place as captain will be secure. Win is a win no matter the tactics

john
on July 29, 2012, 22:56 GMT

Good win for the West Indies,against a decent side, but please don,t get too carried away by this performance it is what it is one win against a (7) rank team.
This team is still flawed with three bowlers and a wicket keeper who is averaging (21),and then there is Sammy who is just not good enough at this level.
The ideal side should have 5 specialists batman a genuine all-rounder who bats a (6) the wicket keeper at (7) followed by four Bowlers preferable three Fast bowlers and a spinner,this bowling combination will be flexible by type of Track

Personally i think west Indies could be competitive again if they try this eleven
Gayle,Powell,Fauddin,Deodroine,Samuels,Russell,Ramdin,wk,Capt)Rampaul,Narine / Roach and Edwards/Miller who brings something different been left arm orthodox.West should be grooming a Captain for the future because we will not be competitive again with either Sammy or Ramdin,please look no further than their averages.

Brian
on July 29, 2012, 22:49 GMT

MOM should have gone to Gayle or should have been shared with Narine.

Venkat
on July 29, 2012, 22:48 GMT

It was a bit of a let down to see Narine being adjudged MoM. Roach set up the win, if one truly wanted to give it to a bowler believing the pitch was flat - thus can ignore the big scores posted by Gayle, Powell and others. It was Roach's strikes and the new ball spell along with Ravi's spat with Darren and bowling with fire. Not Narine. In fact, I expect him to become like Mendis, Ashwin - no mystery at all. Especially his bowling action where he shows the ball and holding before he releases. He is one of the hyped bowlers - Ashwin, Mendis, Swann (yes Swann). Nothing against Narine, but I truly believe Roach deserved it - for a bowler and Gayle for batsman.

Lee
on July 29, 2012, 22:48 GMT

@Anderson Allman and Cutrhbert Lucas: This team is a very diferent team from the one which Gayle had last played in. This is a team of fighters whre everyone tries to pull his weight. Gayle's inclusion has now strengthened the team. I'm not so certain that the current attitude that the players have would have been developed with a star player who resents authority in the team. Don't get me wrong I love Chris Gayle too. That's just my take on the issue.

Lee
on July 29, 2012, 22:41 GMT

Congrats to the Windies on their victory over NZ. The true WI fan doesn't care whether NZ is weakened or not. A win is a win. I am also pleased that Captain Sammy continues to contribute with the bat and plays a good containing role with the ball. All those calling for his removal should stop being unfair. We may not have won more test matched iunder his watch, but to me it seems that we are losing less (drawing more). Can somebody porovide the stats on that?

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 22:38 GMT

Gayle's tally of runs and his inspirational presence made this victory. No dishonour to Sunil but Gayle would ahve been my MoM.
I would certainly not change a winning team but I suspect when things get tighter we will only be able to afford three of Fudadin, Darren Bravo, Sammy, Deonarine and Dwayne Bravo; following the principle horses for courses the present captain may have to stand down from time to time.
But form and performance cannot be easily pushed aside by class, however much one would like that. In the real world out there on the field Sammy is doing enough to hold his place. Dwayne and Darren will have to fight their way back in.

James
on July 29, 2012, 22:31 GMT

Well done West Indies,you guys are starting to make us proud.Excellent work. Show us you can do it again and again. Sammy you are great, love the spirit man keep working at getting us to the top.At the end of the day it is a team effort therefore your role is crucial in providing great leadership to this team. Keep focus!!!

Earl
on July 29, 2012, 22:30 GMT

I guess that Gayle is the first batsman to give a chance and continue to make a hundred.Amla just did and made 300 n.o.I do not see that been mentioned in every article written about the England/SA game.I wonder if he was out caught and the umpire did not give him out what would be written.W.I can count themselves lucky to have a dominant batsman like Gayle.I don't see any silly midoff/on for him.No team will declare now hoping that we collapse.
Roach and Narine will need better support and we do have that support we just have to select them.

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 21:51 GMT

gud wine boz can to see yall in the worl cup

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 21:46 GMT

Again Bangladesh got thrashed I mean losing by 9 WICKETS against a team like West Indies is simply not on.

Hardy
on July 29, 2012, 21:45 GMT

No Darren/Dwayne Bravo & Chanderpaul & Samuels (to a lesser extent) failed and still West Indies batting looked great, the effect Chris Gayle can have eh? Gonna be interesting to see if he can maintain this in all formats because the dominance he has shown in the T20 arena over the last 2 years is unlike anything I've ever seen in cricket.

Hardy
on July 29, 2012, 21:39 GMT

How did Gayle not win man of the match? :/

o
on July 29, 2012, 21:23 GMT

ROACH was incredible today that was the best spell of fast bowling I have seen in a long time !

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 21:17 GMT

I wonder which captain is perfect? England just lost to South Africa and they are questioning the tactics of Strauss now after he has been doing well for so long. WI so called fans need to understand that our team has not been strong for a while are we are rebuilding. Stop blaming Sammy and the coach, we are a young team. We just beat New Zealand which means all the promised we showed against the stronger teams was no fluke. The only captain that has never lost a series is Viv Richards. Even the great Lara was a disaster as a captain with all the talent he had in his team. Sammy is a way better captain that Lara was with a even weaker team so give the man a break. Down the line they will replace him but that will happen in time.

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 21:09 GMT

@nazmulrana...Don't forget also that this was the same New Zealand team that ran away to face Bangladesh in a Test Series once they lost 4-0 but anyway, just as I have predicted the West Indies easily won so congrats really deserve it after winning the T20 and ODI Series against New Zealand also comprehensively. As for New Zealand well I really have nothing against them, they do have a great bunch of players but I really wonder how they are going to compete against India especially in subcontinent conditions.

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:54 GMT

well those who said that windies cricket dont need chris gayle do youstil think so.wellcome bak the gayle force to windies cricket i hope you get a double n front jamaica so jamaica would have two celebratios olympic 100metres gold and gayle ouble or tripple centry

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:51 GMT

No help from Sammy. He should be dropped. Gayle you should have earned that man of the match but continue to let the bat do the talking..
Can understand how Otis Gibson and his team is feeling now. They should be shame.

Niles
on July 29, 2012, 20:43 GMT

72\3 runs 7 wickets , how can a captain set a better field. For people like GrabyMon get off Sammy's case and either support our boys or get lost. Great performance Windies

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:41 GMT

Gayle and Narine the superheroes of W.I. Cricket with good all round support. W.I. confidence on high going into the World Cup.

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:39 GMT

Well done West Indies. Good luck for the final test. I see an unchange team unless someone is injured.
Just a few comments. 1. Ramdin needs to focus on his batting. He shows he can bat but he is getting out too cheaply. Either Wi batting coach or his personal coach needs to help him. Sammy needs to mix and use all his bowlers more. I did not expect a draw but it could have happened.
Finally, I still see Sammy as an ODI captain and bring Sarwan back. With Fudadin, Deonarine and one more quickie, that should be the team going forward. You will have the choice of playing an additional fast bowler or a batsman/all rounder.
I think West Indies is now on the road to recovery and there is some light in the tunnel.

ahadd
on July 29, 2012, 20:39 GMT

COGRATULATIONSto the WEST INDIES..... Chris Gayle annd Sunil Narire have done their jobs responsibly. Good performances from K. Roach, K. Powell, R. Rampaul, A. Fuddadin,and N. Deonarine. Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Marlon Samuels didn't fire as they can so in the next test West Indies will be more than confident.

Vishal
on July 29, 2012, 20:30 GMT

Great Job Windies team. This team is showing more and more that they are Fighters. Congrats once more to Sunil Narine - Man of the Match and as usual, always good to see Gayle's great display of power hitting. Sabina, here we come!!!!!!

Amila
on July 29, 2012, 20:30 GMT

Good win. Gayle showed the difference an attacking opener makes. If someone like Brathwaite played here, he would have given enough confidence for NZ to actually get a lead and win the test match. So happy they were able to shut up the people who were saying Windies will concede a lead and fall away on a waring pitch. The truth is NZ failed to bat properly twice on a flat wicket with variable bounce. Even after that, a bit of aggression in the first session on day 5 might have helped NZ to build a sufficient lead to make the chase more challenging for the WI. But 26/2 in 26 overs is pathetic for anybody against anybody and it backfired because they went to loose their last 7 wickets for less than 60 runs. What remains to be seen is will Windies through away the series in Jamaica like they did earlier against Pakistan last year, or will they fight for a 2-0. Hope the weather is better than the forecast for a good match, and Ramdin seriously need to score some runs again.

Ben
on July 29, 2012, 20:26 GMT

hahaha...love watching New Zealand get thrashed. Hope you're having a good tour NZ.

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:25 GMT

Same squad for WI if no injuries, would expect to win this series and go past NZ in Test Rankings. It is especially worrying for NZ as this is not even the best squad, what happens to this fragile batting if Best were in instead of Rampaul, 150K v135K at Sabina!!!

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:20 GMT

Finally, THERE IS HOPE!! GO, WINDIES!!

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:16 GMT

I did not see that Man of the match coming...How could Curtly Ambrose elect Sunil Narine as Man of the match over Gayle?!?!?! 150 runs in the first innings 60+ not out in the second...I mean lets face it, Chris Gayle and Kieron Powell practically batted us into a winning position in the first innings. I think Curtly Ambrose got it wrong...I'm sure you'd agree.

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:10 GMT

Hard to believe Windies last defeated Kiwis in a Test in 1996. Except for Chanders all 21 players from those two sides have retired. Even Steve Bucknor retired. Still too early to call the cards, but one thing is evident- Sammy has done a wonderful job in gelling this team. Fire from Baylon ignited again? Go Windies Go!

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:04 GMT

Leave Sammy alone. At the time I write this the Windies have won the Test match by 9 wickets. Sammy as the team captain can take pride(despite his legions of detrractors) in having lead the team to a well earned victory. Well done Windies. Now on to Jamaica...

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 19:33 GMT

Well done WI. NZ may have come here not thinking much off this team. Every time there is an interview they always talk about getting Gayle or chanders out. As if there are only two people in a team. Have to take this momentum into the second test. Wonder whats gonna happen when young Bravo is fit. Guys have come into the team and performed. Good problem to have though

Douglas
on July 29, 2012, 19:12 GMT

103 balls by a nightwatchman? Not bad in my books. His job is just to stay there and delay the end, didn't you know that already?

Nicholas
on July 29, 2012, 19:09 GMT

Oh rite... boy is my face red. I should look more carefully at how many overs are left before commenting... Errr, go Gayle, blast 'em home!

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 18:47 GMT

New Zealand did not enter this match with a positive attitude they were negative from the start the first day 232/4 Guptill took all day to make 97 today it was the same attitude and its casting them the match.

Nazmul
on July 29, 2012, 17:55 GMT

nz performence is falling down so much that they would trouble to win against BAN.

Wayne
on July 29, 2012, 17:20 GMT

Watching Darren Sammy's tactics in the field is rather mindboggling

Nicholas
on July 29, 2012, 17:20 GMT

Well this is all a bit of a shame really. It looks like they're playing for the boring draw now. After the first couple of days I thought this would be a thriller, but it's slowly fizzling away now and the only thing to look forward to is comparing Roach's 'wickets to no-balls ratio' at the end...

Wayne
on July 29, 2012, 17:18 GMT

Hope stirs always for WI supporters. I watch this game looking for a WI Test victory worth some value, but in all probability that will never happen. Watching Darren Sammy manage the WI on-field effort against NZ is rather frustrating and most perplexing. NZ will lose this game more so than WI winning it. Someone in WI management needs to let Sammy know that the game is about the team winning first, not about him. He needs to understand that there are people in the team better equipped to provide the goods without having him "set" batsmen all the time. Captaincy skills of the quality he brings to the table does the team more harm than good. Besides, the international arena is not the place to enlighten the uninformed. Too many cricket people, including international commentators, keep talking about the number of tactical blunders that occur in WI cricket. Don't selectors see and hear these things? How long will Sammy continue to be in charge? How much more frustration can we take?

Glyne
on July 29, 2012, 16:56 GMT

103 balls to make 13? It seems NZ game plan is to take as much time out of the game as possible

No featured comments at the moment.

Glyne
on July 29, 2012, 16:56 GMT

103 balls to make 13? It seems NZ game plan is to take as much time out of the game as possible

Wayne
on July 29, 2012, 17:18 GMT

Hope stirs always for WI supporters. I watch this game looking for a WI Test victory worth some value, but in all probability that will never happen. Watching Darren Sammy manage the WI on-field effort against NZ is rather frustrating and most perplexing. NZ will lose this game more so than WI winning it. Someone in WI management needs to let Sammy know that the game is about the team winning first, not about him. He needs to understand that there are people in the team better equipped to provide the goods without having him "set" batsmen all the time. Captaincy skills of the quality he brings to the table does the team more harm than good. Besides, the international arena is not the place to enlighten the uninformed. Too many cricket people, including international commentators, keep talking about the number of tactical blunders that occur in WI cricket. Don't selectors see and hear these things? How long will Sammy continue to be in charge? How much more frustration can we take?

Nicholas
on July 29, 2012, 17:20 GMT

Well this is all a bit of a shame really. It looks like they're playing for the boring draw now. After the first couple of days I thought this would be a thriller, but it's slowly fizzling away now and the only thing to look forward to is comparing Roach's 'wickets to no-balls ratio' at the end...

Wayne
on July 29, 2012, 17:20 GMT

Watching Darren Sammy's tactics in the field is rather mindboggling

Nazmul
on July 29, 2012, 17:55 GMT

nz performence is falling down so much that they would trouble to win against BAN.

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 18:47 GMT

New Zealand did not enter this match with a positive attitude they were negative from the start the first day 232/4 Guptill took all day to make 97 today it was the same attitude and its casting them the match.

Nicholas
on July 29, 2012, 19:09 GMT

Oh rite... boy is my face red. I should look more carefully at how many overs are left before commenting... Errr, go Gayle, blast 'em home!

Douglas
on July 29, 2012, 19:12 GMT

103 balls by a nightwatchman? Not bad in my books. His job is just to stay there and delay the end, didn't you know that already?

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 19:33 GMT

Well done WI. NZ may have come here not thinking much off this team. Every time there is an interview they always talk about getting Gayle or chanders out. As if there are only two people in a team. Have to take this momentum into the second test. Wonder whats gonna happen when young Bravo is fit. Guys have come into the team and performed. Good problem to have though

Dummy4
on July 29, 2012, 20:04 GMT

Leave Sammy alone. At the time I write this the Windies have won the Test match by 9 wickets. Sammy as the team captain can take pride(despite his legions of detrractors) in having lead the team to a well earned victory. Well done Windies. Now on to Jamaica...

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